Mattress Forum

I was also impressed with him even though I didn't have the chance to go there in person like you did ... I'm a little jealous (laughing). He was on my "very short" list of outlets to buy from because of his prices, knowledge, and because of how he made and customized his mattress. What he told me about why and how he makes the mattress that way made a lot of sense to me and I'm glad to see that it "worked" for you in real life as well.

I would be really interested in the specs of the mattress you ended up buying and some of the reasons you chose that particular combination.

Enjoy!

Phoenix

You probably already know this but just in case they didn't show you all your options, the Latex Bliss has 8 separate models ... and you can add the 2" or the 3" topper to any of them for a total of 24 variations/options of support/comfort. The different models are here http://www.latexbliss.com/home.html

If you just look at just the 4 basic models (not the latex light or the 3 innerspring models) then you will see they all have a 6" core over 1" HR poly and that they differ only in the thickness and softness of the latex over this. From bottom to top it is 1", 3", 4" and 5".These 4 options would give most people enough choices in softness/firmness that they wouldn't even need a topper at all.

The toppers if you need them are loose and slightly smaller than the mattress as you can see from the description here http://blissipedia.com/?p=300

The beauty of this line is that with all their options you can get very close to finding out what works for you and why in a single trip (assuming the store carries all or at least most of the models). Then it is simply a matter of either buying it (if you like it and believe it is your best overall value) or "duplicating" it through a mattress with similar specs in the same material (either another mattress line that you try personally in the same or another store or with a do it yourself option).

If you really want to experiment you could also try the latex over spring variations with or without a topper.

Latex Bliss is what I would call a latex mattress (unlike the other 2 you are considering) and the 1" of poly is on the very bottom and not in the comfort or really even the support layers of the mattress. I believe they put it there more to "protect" and "stabilize" the latex than anything else.

I would consider the 2 hour trip though even with the Latex Bliss options. The money you saved if you went that way would probably be well worth it.

Phoenix

Thanks Phoenix, we decided to go with 40 ild for the 6 inch bottom layer, 28 for the 3 inch middle and 19 for the top 2 inch layer.  I wanted a sold core and the 40 ild offers that, while the 28 middle gave my wife and I the support we are looking for without being too firm.  My wife is a side sleeper while I am what you call a wildcard sleeper (I sleep on my back, side or stomach).  As a result we came up with this combo.  We could have had the 2 inch top split with different ilds, but we both liked the feeling of the 19.  

Phoenix

A "good feeling" mattress in a store may lead to real surprises as well when you have slept on it for a little while (even a few days). Feeling good says little about whether you are getting the support you need (correct spinal alignment) as issues connected to poor alignment may not show up for a few days. Even pressure issues may not show up in the short time people usually spend in the stores. Knowing the why behind feeling good and knowing what to look for and why besides just "feeling good" is important in long term satisfaction in a mattress.

If you go in the direction of materials other than latex or natural stuffings, you may also be in for some surprises as other materials are not as consistent in their qualities. Poly will not feel the same as it did in the store for all that long (depending to some degree on the specific kind of poly used) and will break down much more quickly than other materials. Memory foam as well (a different form of poly) will change over time (sometimes very quickly) and in use with different temperatures and conditions much more than other materials. Again, I absolutely agree that personal experience is essential ... but so is knowing the differences between mattress constructions and materials. The people who rely exclusively on how a mattress "feels" in the store are the ones most likely to be taken advantage of in a store environment ... and who often have the most difficulty after their purchase. They can also end up paying a lot of money for lower quality materials and construction that have a "name" attached.

The "phase change" temperature regulation that Dr Breus brags about is inherent in the materials themselves. Both Celsion latex and some of the materials in ticking that are very common these days (such as outlast) are widely available outside of Dr Breus mattresses and this type of material is what gives the mattress it's qualities. This would be more important in the case of memory foam than latex although there are some who sleep hot on any foam in which case this could be important even without memory foam. The implication that these qualities are unique to a certain mattress is marketing hype (and as with all marketing hype, an uninformed customer will pay for the hype from their wallet).

All in all, I believe that a combination of knowing the qualities of certain materials and constructions as they apply to you and the the practical knowledge that comes from personal experience in a store (assuming you are looking specifically for the abilities of a mattress to provide comfort, pressure relief, and support for your body makeup and sleeping style) are equally necessary for long term success and satisfaction in buying a mattress. Without both ... you would be relying on a lot of luck ... and probably pay way more than you need to.

Phoenix.

Yes we did consider the shoulder/Hip spit, but as I sleep all over the place, it really wouldn't work for me.  My wife on the other hand as a side sleeper was going to do the split, but found with her body shape the 19 ILD worked coupled with the low profile firm latex pillow at keeping her spine straight.

cazual, thanks for sharing this. I called and spoke to them, and maybe will try to arrange to come sometime in the off-hours. 

Would you mind writing how much you paid for the mattress in total? 

When you were looking at the LatexBliss, how were you going to fit the 2 inch top?  Would it be under the cover of the mattress, or on the outside?

I purchased a Eastern King for $2499.99 which includes the foundation and two free latex King Pillows.  As far as the latex bliss topper it sits on top of the bed not inside the cover.  You would put your bed sheet over it.  

Phoenix advised me you just purchased a latex mattress from Custom Sleep Design. I have spoke with Bob over the phone and he has put some specs together for my wife and me. Can you provide me with any information and feedback that would be helpful in dealing with this company. We live in the midwest and have been searching for a latex mattress and his split design sounds like a good option. Just wondering about your impressions. Any room for negotiating price?  

Thanks for your input.

                                          sy